Scrapping plans for Eisenhower Memorial could cost millions

WASHINGTON (AP) — Analysts say scrapping a disputed design for a planned Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial near the National Mall and developing an alternate concept over the next five years would cost about $17 million.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office released the estimate Thursday based on a House bill that would have the 14-year-old memorial project redesigned.

Utah Rep. Rob Bishop called for a new design with the support of Eisenhower’s family. The family has called the current design “too extravagant.”

The federal Eisenhower Memorial Commission selected architect Frank Gehry to design the memorial. He proposed a park with statues of the president and World War II hero framed by large metal tapestries depicting the Kansas landscape of Eisenhower’s home.

About $60 million has already been allocated for the $142 million project.